Tesla Lowers 2026 Capital Spending Outlook to Above $20 Billion

Tesla lowered its 2026 capital spending outlook to more than $20 billion from more than $25 billion, while third-quarter cash flow showed it spent $4.732 billion during the period.

The updated outlook covers investments in compute infrastructure, data centers, manufacturing and research and development capacity, and company-operated assets. It sets a spending threshold rather than a precise full-year total. Tesla had projected 2026 capital expenditures above $25 billion in June.

Third-quarter capital expenditures were more than double the $2.248 billion recorded in the year-earlier quarter. Q3 operating cash flow reached $6.263 billion, while free cash flow was $1.531 billion.

Automotive revenue fell about 3% year over year to $20.560 billion. Energy generation and storage revenue declined about 16% to $2.881 billion, while energy storage order rate and backlog reached company records during the quarter.

Morningstar senior equity analyst Seth Goldstein said the positive free cash flow reflected a more measured investment pace. “It seems Tesla is taking a more capital-efficient approach, delaying longer-term projects to be able to self-fund their AI growth,” Goldstein said.